UPHOLD THE FREEDOM OF OUR MEDIA!

From the get-go, the Duterte Administration has not been kind to any opposition and contrarian voices. More so, persecution is what awaits its critics.

But the values of free speech and expression are enshrined in the Constitution and is unnegotiable. The consequences would indeed be far-reaching if we tamper and trample upon these through whimsical and partisan decisions.

First, the issue presents a dangerous precedence that all media institutions should be wary about. If government can simply assail a media institution as retribution for an individual peeve, the country’s credibility as a nation ruled by laws will be damaged.

Second, an estimated 11,000 people stand to lose their jobs over ABS-CBN’s closure. One can just imagine how this situation will impact upon joblessness; wherein the Fourth Quarter 2019 Social Weather Survey revealed that adult joblessness is down by 4 points, from 21.5% in September 2019 to 17.5% in December. This little bit of good news may quickly be reversed if this kind of instability continues. The indirect repercussions extend to the whole entertainment and broadcast industry plus all other businesses benefiting from its operations.

Third, our constitutionally enshrined right to Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom which are foundations of democracy that guards against the abuse of power will disintegrate mirroring the dictatorial regime under martial law. We must never allow this to happen again.

And fourth, the rule of law must be upheld, and due process observed. Governance should be rules-based, evidence-based and balanced.

This is not a time to be apathetic! We must stand up for our freedom to expression! We must uphold the freedom of our media!

Orlando O. Oxales
Convenor
CitizenWatch Philippines